Raelin Gott – Design Department Intern

1. What have you learned so far during your internship, and what has surprised you most about working in the Design Department

I’ve learned much about both the inner administrative side of engineering and the field side of engineering. Billable hours are much more complicated than I thought, and there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that is done. I was surprised to find that there is a lot less math involved than we are led to believe in school.

2. When you had the opportunity to visit a project site and experience fieldwork firsthand, how did it compare to what you had learned in the classroom or expected before entering the engineering field?

It was a lot more simple, with a lot less talking to people and a lot more just checking things. I had thought that field visits would involve more communication with the construction workers, but we had always gone when there were few workers on site.

3. How has this internship influenced your understanding of the engineering profession or your future career goals?

It has confirmed that I am pursuing the right career. I see what the designers’ and surveyors’ daily lives are like, and I want to pursue that lifestyle and career after college.

4. What has been the most rewarding part of being part of the Prudent Engineering team?

Getting to make a change on the company, and work to improve it even after I am gone. I have worked hard with Miriam Gillett-Kunnath
Senior Administrative Coordinator to enhance the Prudent experience, and I have had the delight of working with design to increase my versatility with CAD programs.

5. What advice would you give to other students who are considering an engineering internship?

I would advise them to network. Especially in such a small world as engineering, good networking can be the difference between career paths. But getting the internship is only half the battle; you have to prove that you are worth bringing back. Leaving a good impression can lead to a job straight out of college.